Midway University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Midway University in Midway, KY with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Midway University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Midway University is located in Midway, KY (Distant Rural setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Midway University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Midway University 15:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Midway University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Midway University or WMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Michigan University than Midway University ($17,331 vs. $30,679).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midway University are 19.5% lower than at Western Michigan University ($9,800 vs. $12,174).
• Midway University is 78.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $11,968 more per year; $27,220.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43% higher at Midway University than at Western Michigan University (about $8,186 more per year; $27,220.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midway University than at Western Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midway University students is 65.3% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($18,259 vs. $11,048).

Midway University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Midway University or WMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WMU and Midway University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midway University (1140) is 30 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Midway University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Midway University 1100/1170; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Midway University 20/25; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Midway University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Midway University (3.39).
• Midway University has a higher acceptance rate (95.1%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at Midway University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Midway University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Midway University and WMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Midway University's (41%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Midway University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midway University graduates have a $3,255 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($23,378 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Midway University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($241 vs. $275).
• More WMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Midway University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 43%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.